Survivors of sexual abuse in the Ballarat region have welcomed a national royal commission into decades of trauma and neglect.

Andrew Collins, a former student of St Patrick's College and victim of abuse by a Christian Brother, said every survivor he had spoken to was pleased with the announcement.

"We have waited so long for this, and we finally feel as if the community has listened to us, and believed us," he said.

"We only have a voice if someone listens ... and while there is still a long way to go, this is a big step."

Mr Collins said the royal commission should not be about "bashing" the Catholic Church or other religious organisations.

"At the moment all priests, bishops and brothers could be looked upon as potentially being involved in the abuse of children in some way by the community, and I think that the royal commission will help those not involved to move on and regain the trust of their parishioners," he said.

"I think the Church and community needs this just as well as the victims."

An advocate for former residents of children's homes, Leonie Sheedy, said members of the Care Leavers Australia Network were pleased by the prospect of a royal commission.

"At long last every church, charity and every state government of this country will be made accountable for the criminal assaults, the child rapes, the child labour and the unpaid wages and the neglect on the tens of thousands of children in 'care' in the child welfare systems," she said.

If you or a family member require assistance as the result of sexual abuse, contact the Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault on 5320 3933.

thomas.mcilroy@thecourier.com.au